Four Bad Dental Habits to Avoid at All Costs

By Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky on September 16, 2015

At the cosmetic and general dentistry practice of Dr. Nathaniel Podilsky, we strive to educate our patients about good oral health habits so that they can take the best care possible of their teeth and gums between visits to our practice. We give them tips on how to brush and floss properly, and we encourage them to visit our practice at least twice a year for thorough cleanings, periodontal screenings, and oral exams.

We also strive to educate patients about bad dental habits at our Edmonton practice, as avoiding such habits can be just as important as having good oral hygiene habits. One of the most obvious and dangerous bad dental habits is the failure to visit the dentist for regular exams. If you haven’t had a comprehensive oral examination within the past year, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Podilsky today.

In the meanwhile, please take a look at the following bad dental habits, some of which might just surprise you.

Four Bad Dental Habits

The following are five bad dental habits that deviate from the usual warnings you might be used to encountering. Yes, too much sugar can be bad for your teeth - we assume that you know that already. These bad habits are a little less obvious than that:

Using too much force when you brush your teeth can damage your enamel: Many people believe that they are doing their teeth a favor by giving them a good, vigorous scrubbing, but this is actually far from the case. Using too much force while brushing your teeth can actually erode the enamel that protects your teeth from damage. Using gentle force with a soft-bristled toothbrush will remove the plaque and bacteria without harming the enamel.

Biting your nails is wrong on so many levels: As you might imagine, biting your nails isn’t great for your teeth; it can harm your enamel and place undue pressure on your teeth. However, your nails also provide an excellent hiding spot for bacteria, which can easily spread to your mouth, increasing your risk for gum disease.

Breathing through your mouth can increase your risk for dry mouth: Saliva helps to cleanse your mouth, keeping bacteria in check and removing debris from your teeth. If you tend to breathe through your mouth, it can contribute to dry mouth syndrome, which in turn can increase the likelihood of bacterial infections. It really can pay to keep your nasal passages clear.

Your teeth are not tools: They are not meant to be used to tear loose threads or tape; they’re not intended to loosen bottle tops or rip open bags of chips. They’re not even meant to do something as seemingly innocuous as hold paperclips or pen caps. Every time you use your teeth to do anything besides bite and chew, you are putting them at risk for damage.

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*Disclaimer: Treatment photos are for educational purposes only so that patients are able to see what can be done with modern dentistry. No two patients are alike. As each patient is unique and different, the results of the procedures may vary from one patient to another. Some patients may not qualify for a particular procedure due to their health, their occlusion (bite) or the complexity of the case. All the patients are treated by Dr. Podilsky and have given their consent to use their photos. If you would like to see additional cases or see if you qualify for a particular case please make an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Podilsky.